Shaving is a daily ritual for most men and is the first step to get ready in the morning. According to Statista, 67% of men have tried a beard once in their lives. However, it can be a hassle to maintain a well-groomed look. The problem with a horrible shave is that it makes one look bad and feel terrible. No one likes to go around with ingrown hair, an itchy beard, or razor scratches.
Therefore, you should look into ways to get a better and cleaner shave. The skin under the beard needs just as much attention as the rest of your body. If you choose to continue with a bad shave, you will continue to aggravate yourself.
Luckily for you, there are tips you can follow and immediately remedy the situation. Before you start this article, firstly get rid of all the old razors. After step one, here’s how you can become better at shaving:
1. Don’t Attempt a Dry Shave
Your skin continues to get rid of dead skin cells. That entails that either your skin may be entirely dry or excessively oily. In any case, you need to use some lubricant to shave. The last thing you want to do is cause your skin to flare up with every stroke.
It happens when you attempt a dry shave. You put yourself at risk for cuts and irritation, while no one wants to deal with itchy skin, so always purchase a shaving cream when you get your razors. It also helps if you shave after you take a shower. Warm water softens hair follicles, which enables you to have a good shave.
2. Replace Razors As Often As You Can
Every product has a shelf life. Razor blades get blunt after every shave, and the added humidity from the bathroom may make them rusty. If you don’t have the time to make a purchase every month, you can always go for a razor subscription which is a great convenience. There are ample services that ensure you get your needs met at a reasonable price. You must find a way to replace your razors as often as possible, especially if you shave every day.
3. Always Exfoliate Your Skin
You should maintain a healthy skincare ritual, and it helps when you want to shave. Exfoliation is a great way to prepare your skin for a shave. You can incorporate products such as loofahs or facial scrubs. Exfoliation helps you get rid of dead skin cells, and as a result, there is less build-up of skin cells on the razor blade. It helps keep the razors last longer and makes for a better shave. Remember, smoother skin is the key to a great shave.
4. Change Water Temperature
If you take hot showers and baths, you may want to cool down before a shave. Warm water helps to soften your hair follicles. However, too much warm water can make your skin too soft.
So when you go to shave with your supple skin, you may be more prone to injuries. Therefore, you should switch over to cold water as you wrap up your shower. However, do this gradually. Sudden changes in temperature from extreme hot to extreme cold are harmful to your body. Go from hot to warm, then lukewarm, and continue to decrease the temperature till you can comfortably stand under cold water for a while.
5. Avoid the Usage of Soap
People assume that soap is an adequate replacement for shaving cream, however that is not the case. Even though soap may give you a lubricant-like sensation, it leaves your skin dry when it gets washed off. Dry skin leads to injuries and may cause your skin to flake. If you can’t find a good shaving cream, consider gel-based solvents instead.
You may even use foams instead of creams. If you wish to forego all shaving products, then use a hair conditioner or body oil. The idea is to reduce friction between your skin and the blade. These products ensure your razor blade glides smoothly, and they quickly wash away.
6. Follow the Direction of Hair Growth
For a better and closer shave, it would help to assess the direction of hair growth. It would help if you always shaved in the opposite direction of your hair. If you’re unsure how your hair grows, you can always visit your local shaver and ask them to describe your hair growth. You can even pick up how they shave your face. If you don’t have time to visit a store, watch YouTube videos to understand better how you should shave.
7. Take Care of Your Pores
Hair follicles emerge from pores. If you don’t take care of your pores, chances are you cause product build-up. As a result, you may get a pimple, blackheads, and even ingrown hair. After you shave, you should use warm water to rinse your skin thoroughly. Follow it up with a moisturizer to keep your pores in good condition and prevent your skin from dryness or excessive oiliness.
8. Ignore Myths
People may tell you after the first shave that your beard may become patchy. Some people may even convince you to get products you don’t need. It would help if you avoided any myths related to shaving. After you shave, in most cases, the hair grows back after a while and is generally the same texture.
You may get an illusion that your hair appears thicker, but that’s not the case. Shaving also doesn’t affect the rate your hair grows back. That is mostly your genes at play. Make sure you follow the rules of shaving. Buy good razors, and have an appropriate lubricant, and moisturize.
9. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
It would be best if you didn’t skip out on sunscreen, and it should be a part of your daily routine. After you shave, your skin is far more sensitive and more prone to sun rays. The excessive sun may cause your skin to wear down, and to avoid it use sufficient sunscreen. It prevents your skin from over-sensitivity and helps you shave better.
Wrap Up
Everyone wants a good and clean shave. Here are some simple rules to follow, and you will get a cleaner and smoother shave. Don’t attempt a dry shave, and always use an appropriate lubricant to shave.
You should replace your razors often, especially if you shave daily. Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and hydrate it with a good moisturizer. Warm water makes all difference, as it softens your hair follicles and takes care of your pores, while cold water gives your skin rigidity. After you shave, apply sunscreen and make sure to wash your face thoroughly.